The last time we talked about this jacket, I was done with it. I was frustrated with the slow progress, I was pissed off at the arms, I was angry that there was some weird back fitting issue. In a nutshell, I was not happy. I wasn't about to chuck it but I was about to leave it unfinished and let it die a slow painful death. A few days ago I realized that I was being impatient and stupid. Yesterday, I strapped on my girl pants, ripped off the right arm, tore out the back and did it right. Today, I finished the rest of it. So, without further adieu, here it is.
I like the look of it when it's unbuttoned. I love this light blue shirt; it's from Old Navy. It's one of the few blouses that fit me well. The color really matches my eyes and makes them glow. I think it looks great with this jacket.
I LOVE the lining. It's a fabric my husband brought back from Houston. I'm about to crack up because my neighbors (not the crazy ones) just walked out on their deck. They are eyeballing me and then they ask if I wanted a martini. We often drink martinis in lawn chairs in the cul-de-sac with their other neighbor. They are used to my flasher ways.
I fixed the back problem by letting out about an 1" down most of the length. You can see there is a tiny wrinkle in the right armhole but it's soooo much better than it was before. I took the bottom of the sleeve off, cutting into the jacket, and removing a bit of the jacket to make the sleeve fit.I ended up adding both a sleeve head and a thin shoulder pad. It's not perfect but it's really close and it's so much better than what it was going to look like.
I had to take a picture of the handsewing stitches because I am so proud of them. Don't they look nice from the right side? I probably won't (no freaking way) handsew in another lining but I'm glad I did it with one jacket. It does give you unparalleled control but man is it challenging. This is the area where the back lining meets the front facing and lining.
Same area from the outside.
There was one thing I could not figure out. I read the directions again and again and again for this section. There is a raw edge on the sleeve vent. It's on the inside so it's not a big deal but I'm sure it's not right.
Whew. I'm done. Woot!
40 comments:
You can be very proud of your jacket, it is very well finished and the long work worthwhile. Congratulations!!!!
WOW! It's really beautiful... I love the lining too... What an accomplishment - wear it with pride!!!
Marybeth
You did a wonderful job on your jacket.
Perseverance has it's rewards- you now have a great jacket you can enjoy wearing and every time you do you will be reminded that you did not let the project defeat you. That's empowerment for the next difficult project.
Congratulations! You have done a great job. Just goes to show there is nothing you can't sew!
Bravo Dawn! It looks great!
That color DOES make your eyes glow. It is so flattering on you. Do you have access to the teacher to maybe get some help with that sleeve vent/hem? Those vents can be tricky.
Cudos to you for actually having the strength to go back and rip! I'm not sure I could've done that. And then add in the hand sewing? I'm impressed, plus it looks really, really, really good! Great work.
Wow! What an accomplishment. It looks fantastic on you. I really like it with the blue shirt also.
Beautiful! It really looks good on you
Great job, Dawn, the jacket looks fantastic on you. Also, great job on finishing the jacket, sometimes that is so tough.
I like the nubby tweed fabric and the matching button. For all the sweat, I hope you are happy with it. It looks great on you. I like the pattern--nice length!
Learning couture gives you a real appreciation of what fine clothing is. You did a fantastic job, and I'm sure you'll never look at sewing in quite the same way again.
Fabulous job and well done on getting back and finishing it. Letting it die a slow, painful death seems appealing but it would have bothered you everytime you saw it. Now your mind should feel clearer to move on!
Yaayyy!!! (Standing Ovation) You did it, and it looks fantastic! I love your fabric choices, and the fit is fabulous! I can't imagine sewing the entire lining in by hand, but your stitches looks perfect!
I think if I ever sewed in a lining by hand (and that would be when pigs fly), I'd have to wear it inside out. Well done!! And now you don't have an albatross. ;-)
You did a good job, but what would I know - I'm never going to tailor a jacket in my life! It certainly looks good, though!
You did a superb job! That lining is gorgeous!
*bowing to you* You are my idol!!
dammit...I need to get mine done...hopefully it looks half as good as yours!
Well done...you deserve a martini or two or three!!!
Now to fix that raw edge, you need to unpick the sleeve, rip out the lining .... just joking .... a great story of tailoring and self-talk to get over the line. Much appreciated.
Dawn, you are an inspiration! You must have learned so much producing this fantastic jacket. It looks fabulous on you!
Congratulations on finishing! Your jacket is beautiful. I'd love to take a class like that.
Your perseverance paid off! Lovely jacket!
Wow. I love the way the collar lays.
Wow! You did some impressive tailoring! You look great wearing the jacket!!
WOW. Congrats! I love the lining and the covered buttons. Beautiful work. (I also love the image of you flashing your neighbors.)
It looks fantastic, Dawn. Well done.
Glad you jumped back in the water and fixed the jacket. Your jacket instructor was a student with me when I took the couture tailoring class from Claire Sheaffer in January so I've been watching this with interest.
Looking good. The long journey paid off. Excellent!
Oh my... it looks FANTASTIC! Awesome job!
Nice work! I do like the control you get with handsewing but it's not something I want to do on a regular basis.
Congratulations on a lovely jacket - the collar is a great shape. Must be about time for some instant gratification in the shape of a knit top or something!
Congratulations! It looks awesome :)
Wow wow wow... your jacket looks awesome!
well done you for finishing your jacket! The collar and colour are gorgeous! Hope you both enjoy each other for years to come .. now it's on to the Chanel jacket! (not the 200 hour version though..)
It is a GREAT jacket. Well worth the struggle!
You always work so quickly, I can imagine this jacket was quite frustrating with all of the hand stitching and reworking involved.
All of your hard work turned out a terrific jacket. You should be proud. Congratulations!
Looks fantastic!
I enjoy smocking. Utilitarian hand-sewing? Not so much.
Nice jacket. I love that fun lining.
You have a great blog. I'd love for you to come and visit my blog. I just made a Vintage Vogue Original 1944 Design, V2858. On the previous page you'll find a dress I made from an original 1974 pattern that I found in an antique store. I call that post The Lady in Lavender. And lots of other things in between. Hope you enjoy.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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